For God So Loved

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

Do you know that today is? Yes, it’s Palm Sunday, but the date is March 16, or 3/16. Interesting! What an incredible way to emphasize the wonderful message of this Easter season.

When our Lord rode into town on a donkey, having palm branches laid down before Him and being crowned with hosannas and blessings, He was walking the road toward completing the destiny of the love of the Father who’s initiative it was to send Him to the earth. A love that was willing to lay down the life of His only Son to pay the penalty of sin that was not His. A love that was willing to pay a debt He did not owe. A love that saw that we owed a debt we could not pay. Every step Jesus took on that day; every accolade that He heard was alongside His knowledge that He was heading towards the cross.

On Palm Sunday, there are two main things that should be remembered. The first is the power of that love described above. The power that is simply the truth that God in the flesh, loves you and me so much that He was willing to give up everything in order to make a way for us to have an eternal relationship with His Father, through Him. His offer is available still today to admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior. How are we going to respond to that today? Will you say that it’s a great story but not for you? Or will you accept that truth and give your life to the Lord today? And if you have done so already are you prepared to give Him praise, thanks, honor and glory that He is so worthy of?

Secondly, on that first "Palm Sunday" morning, the crowds had certain expectations of Jesus. When He didn’t come through like they‘d hoped He would, their loud voices went from shouting out "Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord", to "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!" How about you? How about me? When the Lord doesn’t "come through" for us like we’d like Him to, do we go from praising Him on Sunday and then getting mad and ignoring Him throughout the rest of the week, month, years?

As we worship today, take a moment and thank Father God for the Love that caused Him to send Jesus to the earth. Take some time and thank Jesus for His sacrificial act for you. And when you feel like He is not "coming through" for you, remember, "It may be Friday, but Sunday is coming!" Glory to His Name!

Blessings,

Pastor MJ